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Message From the Office
CONTACT US:
215 Rackham
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: 734-487-1612
E-mail:
nonprofit@emich.edu
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/
emu.nla
Website:
www.emich.edu/nonprofit
Summer 2013 Office
Hours
Monday 9-12pm
Wednesday 9-1pm
and
By Appointment
Contact
cpetrescu@emich.edu
nonprofit@emich.edu to
set up appointments
The winter semester is coming to a close and summer is almost
here! Another year is in the books and we are very proud of the work
that the students have done this semester, as well as this year.
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) program kicked off the
semester by sending six students to the Alliance Management Institute
(AMI) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference is an integral
part of the NLA program. AMI provided an opportunity to our students to meet over 600 students
from the other NLA campuses and nonprofit professionals, to attends hands-on competencies
related workshops, and study nonprofit management through case studies . The students organized a Spring Swing Dance fundraiser. The Student Funders group is in its third year of philanthropic work. These are examples of the work done by students that we are happy to share with
you.
The Student Funders Group identified the need for sustainability in the community and are
working on addressing this need through philanthropy. The annual Career Summit held in March
brought to campus professionals and experts in the nonprofit sector. Seminars discussing NLA
competencies such as creating and sustaining nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurship,
and developing collaborations were well received. A panel of nonprofit professionals discussed
hiring practices, how to network in the nonprofit sector and provided tips on how to market themselves to start their nonprofit career.
Throughout this past academic year the NLA Student Association has hosted several seminars
for the NLA students and the EMU community which provided learning beyond the classroom
(LBC) credit and helped students build professional skills. Details about this event and the other
work done are provided in the newsletter.
We congratulate the seven students who received their CNP certification (certified nonprofit professional) this semester! They make us proud and we wish them great success in their nonprofit
careers. A new student leadership team will be taking over the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Association following the end of the semester and we are looking forward to working with
them.
Enjoy reading about the students’ successes and their work! And have a very good summer!
Claudia Petrescu (dr. P. ), PhD, Campus Director
Arthur Cox, Graduate Assistant
734-487-1612
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emich.edu/nonprofit
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nonprofit@emich.edu
CNP Certifications
NLA Mission and Advisory Board
Dr. Chris Wood Foreman
EMU
Laura Pipis
American Red Cross
Patty Jacobs Warner
Beaumont Foundation
Kelley Kuhn
Michigan Nonprofit Association
John Fike
Philanthropy Solutions, LLC
Laura Matney
Independent Consultant
Anne Seaman
Independent Consultant
Eddie Davis
EMU Foundation
Bill Reminder
THI
Theresa Dark
EMU
Mission Statement
“The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is a
national alliance of colleges, universities
and nonprofit organizations dedicated
to educating, preparing and certifying
professionals to strengthen and lead
nonprofit organizations.”
NLA Advisory Board:
Caryn Charter
EMU
Char Luttrell
Ms. Molly Foundation
Cathi Duchon
YMCA
Diane Hockett
Independent Consultant
Mike Corbin
ACCESS
The Certified Nonprofit Professional certification is a nationally recognized credential
earned by completing the NLA Program. Certified alumni use the professional credential CNP
to denote their specialized skill-set in nonprofit
management and leadership. This semester
seven students received their certification:
Alia Sanders
Andrew Holbrook
Heather Messina
Scott Rosencrans
Garland Doyle
Leslie Smith
Ericka Wilson
Congratulations to our CNPs!
NLA Swing Dance
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Association organized
the second annual Swing Dance Fundraiser in March at the Rec
IM. The event was a huge success thanks to the tremendous
effort put in by Michelle Kuhar, CNP. The night began with dancing lessons just to make sure everyone knew how to get into the
swing of things.
After the lessons the
attendees danced
the night away to
some classic oldies
and learned a new
style of dancing they
certainly were not
familiar with.
The Swing Dance Fundraiser was a blast and students had a
wonderful time. Students raised $100 to help cover the costs
associated with attendance of the Alliance
Management Institute
conference.
NLA Student Association (NLASA)
NLA Student Association (NLASA)
Executive Board Officers
Executive Board Officers
2012-2013 Board Officers
President— Jennifer Rokakis
Philanthropy and Civic Engagement
Coordinator— Brea Haywood
2013-2014 Board Officers
President— Kody Vitale
Vice President—Jared Jeffries
734-487-1612
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emich.edu/nonprofit
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nonprofit@emich.edu
The Student Funders Group: Project Update
In its third year of existence, this philanthropic
group is addressing community needs by
providing seven grants of $1000 each to nonprofit organizations in SE Michigan for sustainability projects.
This year’s Student Funders Group extended
their purpose and began a fundraising program
to sustain the mission of the Group. Students
added a fundraiser hat to their already existent
philanthropist hat by raising a total of $5,000
from the EMU Student Government and Mr. Bill
Reminder, CEO of the THI group of Ann Arbor
and NLA advisory board member. Because of
this initiative, more community organizations
will receive help with their programming this
year! We are grateful to the sponsors of the
Group for their support!
The Student Funders group of 2013 is formed
of four undergraduate and one graduate student. It is designed to teach students skills such
as fundraising, grant writing and decision making, while contributing to the well-being of the
nonprofit community.
The students involved with the project have
looked over all of the request for proposals and
have made the final decisions.
and the Washtenaw Camp Placement Association. Congratulations!
If you are interested in helping with this program please contact the NLA office. We are
seeking partners to keep the Student Funders
Group and the NLA program’s philanthropic
initiatives sustainable for years to come.
Grants will be awarded to the following organizations: The Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan, Mentor2Youth, Ms. Molly
Foundation, NAMI of
Washtenaw County,
The Scrap Box,
Washtenaw Area
Council for Children
The Student Funders Group making the final decisions!
Humanitarian Scholarship Awards
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program congratulates two NLA students on their
achievements: Jennifer Rokakis and Ebony Walls.
Jennifer Rokakis received the Evans-Strand award for her work in advancing the understanding and furthering the acceptance of diversity at Eastern Michigan University. The
award comes with a $1,000 scholarship. Rokakis, a senior majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, is a campus leader in promoting a positive LGBT environment for all students
on campus. After her graduation in April 2013 she plans on continue her advocacy work
by working for a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the LGBT community.
Ebony Walls, a social work major, received the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award
which recognizes an Eastern Michigan University student who has demonstrated a commitment to promoting respect and improving the quality of life for all people. Ebony’s
extensive community service includes more than 350 volunteer hours. She is a graduate
of EMU’s emerging Leader Series and LeaderShape program and has used these skills to
help advocate for improving the quality of life for all people with ideals consistent to
those of Martin Luther King.
Jennifer Rokakis
Ebony and Jennie have continually contributed to the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program and their efforts certainly deserve recognition.
Congratulations Ebony and Jennie!
Ebony Walls
734-487-1612
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emich.edu/nonprofit
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nonprofit@emich.edu
The Nonprofit Career Summit
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program hosted the annual Nonprofit Career Summit on Saturday March 23rd 2013. This year, the Summit focused on providing students with knowledge about: building and sustaining international nonprofits, starting a new nonprofit , entrepreneurship and building successful collaborations. During lunch, a panel of five professional talked with students about strategies to prepare for a
nonprofit career and provided tips for entering the working world.
To kick off the morning, Jack Bidlack, the director of the Business Side of Youth at EMU, discussed entrepreneurship and its importance to
the nonprofit sector. John Drake, the founder of Lingap Foundation, an international nonprofit that provides services for children who have
suffered from child abuse, abandonment, neglect and exploitation in the Philippines, talked about his experience. He discussed how and why he
created this nonprofit organizations and the challenges and benefits of his work. Over lunch, Bill Reminder, president of THI-Extang, Laura Thomas, of Eastern Michigan University Foundation, Mike Corbin, of the National Network for Arab American Communities, Char Luttrell of Ms. Molly
Foundation, Emmanuel Jones of Mentor2Youth and Diane Hockett, NLA Board member, answered questions and provided advice to students
about preparing for a nonprofit career. The most memorable advice: “Don’t forget that you need to work hard to get a job, and work even harder to keep it!”
Following lunch, Mary Alice Truitt of United Way of Washtenaw County and NLA alumna, and Robert Carson, a managing partner of Renaissance Consulting Croup discussed building successful collaborations and maintaining relationships to help strengthen your nonprofit. The event
was a huge success and provided students with a great opportunity to learn about getting into the nonprofit field!
Lunch Panel (from left): Laura Thomas, Bill Reminder, Char
Luttrell, Mike Corbin, Emmanuel Jones
John Drake speaking to students
Alumni Updates
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is proud to announce a few
Alumni Updates this semester. Mary Alice Truitt, a proud NLA Alumnia
has been accepted into the U of M Public Policy Program! Congratulations!
Samuel Demarco is starting his nonprofit career with the Sparrow
Foundation! Congratulations Sammy!
NLA Student of the Semester:
Kody Vitale was nominated as the student of the semester. Kody has been very active with NLA, attending all of our meetings and activities and getting to know all of his fellow students in the program. Kody
attended the AMI Conference, presented at the undergraduate symposium and helped out with the
Nonprofit Career Summit.
He also played a key role in the Student Funders Group fundraising initiative. His hard work and dedication to the fundraising efforts helped NLA get more funding for this project.
Kody’s dedication to hard work and his passion for NLA have earned him NLA Student of the Semester Title!
734-487-1612
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emich.edu/nonprofit
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nonprofit@emich.edu
Reflections on AMI 2013
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance hosted the annual Alliance Management Institute in Atlanta, Georgia on January 2nd—5th
2013. The Eastern Michigan University NLA was represented by six members of our organization. Craig Jefferson, Kody Vitale,
Rose Angele Mizose, Hayley Isenhour (undergraduate students) Leslie Love Smith (EMU
Alumna) and Garland Doyle (graduate student) attended this premier networking conference. Upon return those who attended had nothing but fantastic things to say about their
experiences.
“The AMI Conference increased my knowledge towards the nonprofit sector, connected
me to nonprofit professionals and gave me a wonderful opportunity to be involved in an actual case study. I was allowed to play a
role of problem solver for the Atlanta Mission Charity to help end homelessness. During this case study we had to brainstorm and
finalize recommendations for ways the charity could further promote fundraising to increase their overall budget and improve their
sustainability over the long term.” - Rose Angele Mizose
“All of the workshops I was able to attend were extremely beneficial. I personally attended a few different ones during AMI. They
were: Connecting Your Community and Nonprofit Organization; Program Development: Planning ,Implementation and Evaluation;
Creating Sustainable Funding For Your Nonprofit; Making Change: How and When to Add Advocacy to Your mission. These workshops taught me so much about applying knowledge to the real world. These professionals are actually out in the sector successfully implementing what they were teaching me. I can’t put a price on the value of this experience for me.” - Craig Jefferson
“As an aspiring fundraiser, and major gifts officer, this was invaluable to me, because there aren’t many instructors who have personally raised over a million dollars for a charitable cause. This experience was very inspiring, and made the prospect of actually
working my dream career raising money for nonprofits seem much more feasible. I feel that speaking to several people who have
already achieved what I wish to achieve helped immensely in planning my own future, from choosing which graduate programs
and internships to apply for, to gaining information on websites such as foundation center, where there is a vast amount of information on trends in modern philanthropy. “ -Kody Vitale
The AMI Conference was a tremendous success and EMU NLA is proud to recognize Craig Jefferson and Kody Vitale as CNP Designates. Leslie Love Smith and Garland Doyle were recognized as Certified Nonprofit Professionals at the conference. Congratulations to all!
Garland Doyle—Leadership in the Making
Garland Doyle, a Master in Public Administration and NLA student, participated in the AMI Graduate
Research Fair at AMI. His poster presentation was well received and came in second place in the research competition! Garland’s “Leadership in the Making: An NLA Graduate Program Case Study” research is a case study analysis. He analyzed if and how the core nonprofit competencies apply to the
Nonprofit Concentration offered by the Master in Public Administration program at EMU . The ultimate purpose of his research was to understand how effectively this program is preparing its graduates for nonprofit management work.
“The poster helped me cover all of the NLA professional competencies and gave me a tremendous opportunity to sharpen my research skills. This presentation gave me an opportunity to interact professionally with other Certified Nonprofit Professionals from the Nonprofit Leadership Program and it
helped me show them what I am capable of. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to present my research to such an extensive and diverse audience.”
In addition to his research award, Garland received his Certified Nonprofit professional (CNP) at the
conference. He said: “I’m very thankful for the opportunity NLA at EMU provided me to attend this
conference!” We at the NLA office would like to congratulate Garland for his certification and his research award!
734-487-1612
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nonprofit@emich.edu
Garland Doyle, CNP
Undergraduate Symposium Presentations
Get all of the latest EMU
NLA updates from our
Facebook page!
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emu.nla
Contact Info
Dr. Claudia Petrescu
(Dr. P)
Campus Director
cpetrescu@emich.edu
NLA Office
nonprofit@emich.edu
For the first time, the NLA program had three students
(Kody Vitale, Jared Jeffries and Craig Jefferson) giving
presentations about their community engagement and
nonprofit work at the Undergraduate Symposium. Kody
Vitale and Nino Monea (Student Government) gave a
presentation about their work on getting out the vote in
elections. Jared and Craig talked about their philanthropic
work through the Student Funders Group.
Kody and Nino’s presentation focused on the difficulty
of voting and helping students understand the important
role they play in elections. “We wanted to make sure students had the opportunity to vote here in Ypsilanti. It was
difficult raising awareness because
students felt like they couldn’t
make a difference. We wanted to
show them that they could make a
difference and that the logistics of
voting maybe aren’t as difficult as
perceived.”
Following Kody and Nino were Jared Jeffries and Craig
Jefferson. The pair discussed the importance of the NLA
sponsored Student Funders Group and the difference they
are able to make in the community: “A lot of people may not
realize the importance of the Nonprofit Sector but our research shows just how important these organizations are—
and we’ve got to do our best to help support these organizations” said Craig. “The Student Funders Group lets us be on
the side of the table to help give funds to nonprofit organizations in Southeastern Michigan. It’s different being on this
side of the table - as a student I’m giving away money to
these organizations and it lets me play the role of the funder.
I get to help decide the needs of these organizations and
really make a difference.”
Jared and Craig also discussed the fundraising roles
they played. “We were able to increase the funds of the
project by $2,000 dollars
this year. Normally we have
$5,000 to give away, and
due to some generous fundKody and Nino discussed how they
ing grants, we are able to
got over 1,000 people to register
give away $7,000 this year.
to vote and helped over 350 memIt has been a wonderful
bers of the EMU community with a
experience that I can build
shuttle bus that took them directly
on, but also make a differto polling locations. Here are some
ence in our community. It
excerpts from their presentation:
has awesome and I’m so
“In order to get people to buy into
thankful for the opportuniwhat you’re saying, you’ve got to
ty.”
provide incentive. We used the
shuttle as the biggest incentive.
The duo also discussed
Students would start saying “I can’t the difference they hope to
get there in time to vote and we
make this year with the
Jared Jeffries and
had a plan to get them there. program. “Sustainability is
Craig Jefferson
Kody Vitale
It was really fun being able to our focus this year. We’re
show them we had all of their bases covered.”
hoping to support organizations over the long term. We are
really happy to help grass root organizations in the area
cement their presence here.”
Thank You!
As the semester winds down and we are all preparing for summer vacation I am happy to announce a very important step in my career. I am moving on from NLA to begin my career in Human Resource Management! I want
to thank everyone involved with NLA for the wonderful opportunity! To see everyone have so much compassion
for other people has been overwhelming for me. Each and every day I learn a new story from someone—about
where they came from, about who they want to help, about why the want to help and it inspires me to want to get
involved. You all are amazing a passionate people who genuinely care about others—something that I am not
familiar with in my corporate world experience.
I wish you all the very best in your nonprofit careers and I sincerely hope I have the pleasure of staying in touch
with you all and working together to change the world. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you all! I am
very thankful for the experience you all have given me. Thank you again!
-Arthur (AJ) Cox
Have a great break! See you in Summer 2013!
NLA contact info:
215 Rackham
Ph: (734) 487-1612, e-mail: nonprofit@emich.edu
Website: www.emich.edu/nonprofit
734-487-1612
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emich.edu/nonprofit
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nonprofit@emich.edu